Program Overview

Program Overview

The Management in Life Sciences program is designed to provide professionals and managers with a comprehensive understanding of the life sciences industry, from the development of therapeutic interventions to commercialization. The program aims to deepen existing subject matter expertise and equip participants with leadership qualities and management tools required to lead multi-disciplinary projects in life sciences.

Participant Profile

The program is suited for professionals and managers who need clear insight into the specific processes of the life sciences industries, including entrepreneurs and executives entering the pharma and medtech space for the first time.

Format

• Each module consists of 3 full days of in-person classes at the EPFL Campus, along with pre- and post-course work.
• Class days start at 9:15 and end at 17:30.
• Applications to the Certificate of Advanced Studies (5 – 7 modules) and individual modules (1 – 4 modules) are accepted.

Module Overview

The program consists of the following modules:

• Strategic Deals and Partnerships in Pharma and Medtech (January 27 – 29, 2026)
• Intellectual Property Management in Life Sciences (February 17 – 19, 2026)
• Managing Data for Value in Life Science (March 17 – 19, 2026)
• Clinical Research & Product Development in Pharma and Biotech (April 14 – 16, 2026)
• Marketing in Life Sciences (May 5 – 7, 2026)
• cGMP Production, Industrial Trends and Challenges (June 2 – 4, 2026)
• Project Management (June 16 – 18, 2026)

Admission & Tuition

Admission Criteria

• A Bachelor, Master, or Doctorate degree from an accredited University.
• Fluency in English.

Tuition Fee

• 1 module: CHF 2’450
• 2 modules: CHF 4’800
• 3 modules: CHF 7’150
• 4 modules: CHF 9’500
• 5 modules: CHF 11’500 (minimum to obtain the CAS)
• 6 modules: CHF 13’400
• 7 modules: CHF 14’900

Applications

How to Apply

• Applications to the CAS or individual modules are done online.
• Applications are taken on a rolling basis.
• Applications must be submitted minimum 2 weeks prior to the start of the module.

Required Documents

• For 5 modules or more (CAS): Curriculum Vitae, copy of diploma & transcripts for each degree, scan of passport, and one passport photo.
• For 1 to 4 modules: Curriculum Vitae, scan of passport, and one passport photo.

Testimonials

The program has received positive feedback from past participants, who have found it to be invaluable in providing foundational knowledge of the industry's business model and excellent networking opportunities.

FAQs

Program Details

• The CAS program can be started from any module, and the remainder of the modules can be finished the following year.
• Each module is worth 2 ECTS credits, meaning approximately 50 hours of work.
• The program must be completed within two years from the start date.
• Participants can change their module selection with a two-week notice.
• Single modules can be taken, and participants will receive an EPFL Certificate of Completion for each completed module.
• The minimum number of modules required to obtain the CAS diploma is 5.

Evaluation and Certification

• Each module has an evaluation/exam, which can be an individual or group assignment, or an online test.
• The grading is done on a scale of 1 to 6, with a passing grade of 4.
• Participants who complete the whole program or selected modules will receive a certification accordingly.